THE number of international weddings being planned by Sydney gay couples has surged since Tony Abbott's election as Prime Minister dashed hopes for national marriage equality laws.

The owner of Elizabeth Bay's Out Travel, Reece Farmilo, said since the election more Australian same-sex couples have been planning their wedding abroad.

"I think for many couples, having their wedding in Australia with close friends and family would be their first choice," he said.

"But they have to look at other options now, like New Zealand, which is great because it is so close but it still cuts out a few guests who can't make the trip over.

"I think there were people waiting until after the election to decide what to do about their wedding but now the Liberals are in it has pushed marriage equality further back.

"I know in my circle of friends we didn't think Labor would win so we knew the opportunity to hold a wedding here in Australia was very small - but it was something a lot of people obviously hoped for. Now we are stuck with what we have."

Despite marriage equality being placed on the Federal Government's backburner, Mr Farmilo said it would not stop many same sex couples celebrating their post nuptials in Australia.

"We have people who have been married overseas come back and have a huge commitment ceremony with all their friends and family where they shared their vows. So no matter what, many couples will continue to make the best with what they have got," he said.

"I think whatever happens there will always be couples getting married overseas and celebrating back here in Australia."

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